PhD: Political Economy of Digital Journalism

The Institute of Future Media and Journalism at Dublin City University is offering a PhD position to develop research on the political economy of digital journalism. The researcher will investigate the changing political economy of digital journalism and its impact on plurality and the civic role of journalism. The research objectives include the development of (1) a critical taxonomy of the new actors and new forms of journalism (2) a critical understanding of the impact of new news practices on newsroom cultures and organization and (3) an understanding of the gendered division of labour in the new journalistic ecosystem. The methods to be used include interviews, ethnographic fieldwork, multi-modal analysis of news outlets, and analyses of size and turnover of the various new actors.

The successful candidate will undertake full-time PHD research. In addition to fulfilling the requirements of DCU’s doctoral training programme, the successful candidate will receive a personalised training plan to develop skills for future employment in academia or industry. This will include participation in JOLT training events (to develop domain specific skills, general research skills, and transferable skills) and secondments/work-placements in different research environments. All costs are fully funded (100% employment) by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, which also offers highly attractive salary and allowance conditions.

Eligibility Requirements: All applicants should ensure and demonstrate compliance with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie rules: (1) Applicants may be of any nationality, but must not have resided in or carried out their main activity (work or study) in the Republic of Ireland for more than 12 of the 36 months prior to recruitment. This condition excludes short stays such as holidays. (2) Applicants must have less than four years research experience (full-time equivalent) and must not have obtained a PhD. Registration on taught programmes such as undergraduate degrees or taught Masters degrees do not count as research experience. (3) Applicants must be willing to travel for two secondments or work-placements (where each is approximately 4 weeks in duration). English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)

Salary and Benefits: The Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme offers highly competitive and attractive salary and working conditions. These include a living allowance/salary (€42,358 gross per annum), a mobility allowance (€7,200 gross per annum), and a family allowance if applicable (€6,000 gross per annum). Expenses such as registration fees and training are covered by the JOLT network. Researchers will be funded for three years.

How to Apply: Please complete the online application form and submit the following documents compiled in the following order into a single PDF file: Research Proposal outlining your understanding of the topic, proposed theoretical approach, methodology, field for empirical research, and potential significance/contribution to existing state of the art (max. 2000 words); Curriculum Vitae (including two referees’ contact details); Certificates/Transcripts of Degree and/or Master degree.

Closing Date for Applications: 24 September 2018

JOLT is a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) European Training Network aimed at harnessing digital and data technologies for journalism. In addition to completing a PhD, the researcher will receive specialised training to advance future careers in academia and industry, produce research publications under the guidance of his/her supervisor, undertake work experience in different environments, and establish an excellent network of contacts across the academic, industry, and non-profit sectors.

.@ColmLearns writes for FuJo on how sports media is using nostalgia to fill the hole left by the lack of live sport during the #COVID19 pandemic. Is it necessarily indulgent or can it help foster a critical view of the past and present?
fujomedia.eu/yesterdays-gam…

"It seems that the biggest social network in the world is, at least in part, basing its response to pandemic-related misinformation on a misreading of the academic literature." wired.com/story/why-is-f…

RT @jamesrbuk Left, tomorrow’s Guardian front page.
Right, tomorrow’s Mail front page.
They’re both write ups of the same study, and they’re both at least sort-of-accurate reflections of it.
No wonder the public is confused. pic.twitter.com/ccVbQ2zxAY